3.5.3 Enhanced Function Interface (EFI)
The FX3-CPU1, FX3-CPU2, and FX3-CPU3 main modules each have 2 EFI interfaces.
T
he properties, the functions, and the benefits of these interfaces are described in this
section.
The general EFI description of operation and the combination options of SICK products
regarding EFI can be found in the “EFI - enhanced function interface” technical informa‐
tion (SICK part number 8012611).
Definition
An E
FI interface is safe communication interface between SICK devices. Information
can be read from EFI-enabled devices and commands can be sent to EFI-enabled
devices.
Properties
•
Eac
h EFI interface can support up to 4 SICK devices, as long as the EFI-enabled
devices support this number.
•
Device connection via 2-wire cable
•
Various possible device combinations
°
Sensor with sensor in same product family
°
Sensor with safety controllers and gateways
°
Connection of up to four FX3-CPU1, FX3-CPU2, or FX3-CPU3 main modules to
one Flexi Link system (see "Flexi Link", page 45)
•
Transfer of status information (process data) between SICK devices with EFI inter‐
face
•
Transfer of configuration from the configuration software to EFI-enabled devices
•
Import of configuration from EFI-enabled devices into the configuration software
•
Activation/use of advanced software functions
Functions
Alon
gside the product-specific functions of each of the EFI-enabled devices, the follow‐
ing functions are available:
General functions
•
Status information (process data) from the EFI-enabled devices is available in the
controller and at the sensor.
•
Diagnostic information from all EFI-enabled devices is available in the controller.
•
Transfer of configuration information
Special functions
•
Simultaneous protective field evaluation
•
Protective field switching
•
Function switching
•
Operating mode selection
•
Signal routing
•
Remote diagnostic information via Ethernet
•
Information about the location of an interruption in a protective field in the case of
host-guest applications.
•
Expansion of signals and forwarding of results
Benefits
•
Installa
tion is quicker and less expensive (only 2 conductors) when signals from
multiple sensors are used
•
Decrease the material costs with the savings potential of function blocks, inputs
and outputs
•
Higher availability thanks to the provision of diagnostic information with high
information content for quick and accurate possible actions
3 P
RODUCT DESCRIPTION
44
O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S | Flexi Soft Modular Safety Controller 8012478/1IG6/2023-02-24 | SICK
Subject to change without notice
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
